Chapter 2

I scooped up a handful of mud from the ground and shoved it into Garry's open mouth.

"Garry, stop shouting. This isn't the modern world. There's no hospital here."

"Whatever you do, don't let the princess find out it was your leg that tripped her carriage, or you're dead."

The mud clogged his throat, and I could see him gagging on it.

I pressed a little harder with my hand, keeping his mouth covered so he could go on enjoying it.

"Garry, don't fuss. Just hold on a little longer. Once they're gone, everything will be fine."

His eyes bulged, and he clawed at my hand, trying to pry it off.

Just then the carriage curtain drew back, and a woman in lavish robes stepped down.

"Which blind fool dares to disturb my carriage?"

She came toward us with small, mincing steps.

The moment she saw that the one who'd been struck was Garry, the smile froze on her face.

She'd told them to aim for Victoria Fox.

"Gar—"

"Cough, cough, cough…"

The coachman behind her coughed a few times, and only then did Crystal Galloway realize she'd said the wrong thing.

Watching their clumsy acting, I held back a laugh.

In my past life, I'd been too dazed from the crash to notice that this was a fake princess. What ancient princess wore a full face of makeup and got her nails done?

Looking at her, I remembered thinking she seemed familiar back then.

Now that I studied her, wasn't she that third-rate actress, Crystal Galloway?

She'd once auditioned for one of my films, and her acting was so bad I'd cut her. I never imagined it.

She was Garry's precious first love.

A bitter smile touched the corner of my mouth.

For a woman like this, Garry had been ready to drive me insane.

But if you love her this much, why did you ever agree to marry me in the first place?

Just say it, and I'll let the two of you have each other.

At that moment the guard beside her stepped over and slapped me across the face.

"Hey, the princess is speaking to you. Are you deaf?"

"This is Princess Crystal, the most beloved daughter of His Majesty. You've got some nerve, disturbing the princess's sacred person. Wiping out nine generations of your family wouldn't be enough."

Crystal looked down at me kneeling before her and laughed, thoroughly pleased with herself.

"Hmph. A lowly thing after all."

"You had the gall to cut me back then, and now here you are, kneeling in front of me like a dog."

Her voice was soft, but I heard every word.

"Fine. I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let you go. But your husband stays."

The guard hurried over and helped Garry up.

Garry spat the mud from his mouth. His leg hurt so much it had gone numb.

"No. This is my husband. Princess or not, you can't take another woman's husband. What would the people say if word got out?"

I clenched my fists tight, playing the faithful wife.

"Heh. When I want a person, who dares to interfere?"

"And don't say I'm bullying you. Here's a hundred silver taels. Call it payment to buy out your marriage."

Garry shook off the guard and limped over to my side.

"Victoria, don't worry. I won't abandon you."

"Let's ignore her. The worst she can do is kill us both."

"Princess, give it up. My wife would never throw me away for money."

He stood firmly in front of me, just like in my past life.

I'd thought he truly loved me, so I refused, and they beat me until I passed out on the spot.

Living this life over, why would I do exactly what they wanted?

I gave Garry a shove forward.

"Fine. I agree."

He turned back and stared at me, unable to believe it.

Wondering whether I'd figured something out, a trace of suspicion crept into his eyes.

I lowered my voice.

"You go back with the princess first. She loves you this much. She won't have the heart to kill you."

"Wait for me. This money is my capital. I'll come back to save you, I promise."

Only then did Garry let go of his doubt.

Crystal was watching me with a strange look.

By rights, wasn't I supposed to be putting on a whole scene of a devoted couple?

"What's wrong, Princess? Nothing to say? Are you having second thoughts? Because then I'll just take my husband and be on my way."

I turned to leave.

"Wait."

Crystal called out at once.

"How could I—how could I possibly have second thoughts?"

"I simply didn't bring that much money with me. Come back to the manor with us, and you'll get it."

Garry was urging me too by then.

"Victoria, take the money before you go. I won't feel right about you out there on your own."

…

I agreed, and followed behind their carriage.

The tiny listening device in my ear picked up their voices.